Sample PATH reports record ridership in 2011

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey's PATH rail system reported record ridership in 2011, with 76.6 million commuter trips made during the year, the highest

number since the agency took over operation of the system in 1962. The record ridership follows the investment of more than $1 billion in PATH over the past four years for new cars, station upgrades and commencement of installation of a new signal system.

The record ridership surpassed the previous record of 74.9 million commuter trips in 2008 by 1.7 million trips. The 2011 ridership number represents a 3.6 percent increase compared to 2010. The increase in PATH ridership mirrors a trend of strong increases in transit ridership around the region and around the country, as the traveling public seeks transportation alternatives.

Port Authority Chairman David Samson said, "Our multi-billion-dollar commitment to transform PATH into a 21st century rail system has paid dividends. More people are taking notice of what PATH has to offer and are choosing it as their preferred mode of travel between New York and New Jersey."

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During a typical weekday, approximately 256,000 trips are made on PATH system. Weekend ridership also is up, as approximately 211,000 trips are made. This represents a two percent increase in weekend ridership from 2010. The Harrison station exhibited the strongest weekday growth of all PATH stations at 8.7 percent.